Seven Real Madrid players nominated for Ballon d’Or award
By Kian Long
Real Madrid had an incredible 2024. Not only did they win the La Liga and UEFA Champions League double, they also saw many of their stars shine on the international stage.
Therefore, Carlo Ancelotti has every right to be proud of his squad. He has the best calibre of players in world football and the club is essentially bulletproofed for the next generation.
This has been exemplified by the recently announced 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist. The Ballon d'Or is an award which aims to commemorate the best player in world football during a calendar year.
So, Real Madrid should take great pride in its dominance this year. For context, there are seven Real Madrid players nominated for Ballon d’Or award.
Seven Real Madrid players nominated for Ballon d’Or award
1. Vinícius Júnior
The best and most likely Real Madrid player to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or is Vinícius Júnior. The Brazil international was a key component to the Liga and Champions League win, even scoring a goal in the Champions League final.
In terms of raw talent, Vinícius Júnior is the best player in the world currently. Granted, it helps playing under Carlo Ancelotti and being surrounded by sheer talent but nobody can deny that Viní earned his spot in the Ballon d'Or shortlist. It also wouldn't be contested if he won the whole thing.
2. Jude Bellingham
Currently on the treatment table for injury, Jude Bellingham will be incredibly proud to be included in the Ballon d'Or shortlist for this year.
In his first full calendar year with Real Madrid, Bellingham achieved incredible things, being Real Madrid's top scorer in the league, winning the title and assisting in the Champions League final.
A large reason why Jude Bellingham will be included in the Ballon d'Or shortlist is his work with the England international team. England reached the EURO 2024 final, thanks to some great involvements from their best player, Jude. He scored that infamous bicycle kick in the final moments of the knockout stages.
3. Dani Carvajal
Admittedly, defenders have a hard time winning the Ballon d'Or. However, Dani Carvajal certainly earned his way into the 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist.
The Real Madrid legend had a superb 2024, winning La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, even scoring in the final. Dani Carvajal also had a splendid EURO 2024 tournament with Spain, winning the entire competition and putting in some exceptional displays at right-back.
4. Kylian Mbappé
Unsurprisingly, new Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappé makes the 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist. He is regarded as one of the best players in the world and is always up for consideration in awards like this.
In his Real Madrid debut, Kylian Mbappé scored a goal in the UEFA Super Cup. It took him a while to get off the mark in the league but he recently scored a La Liga brace. He is certainly considered for the Ballon d'Or.
Next. Greatest Number 9s. Greatest number 9s in Real Madrid history. light
5. Toni Kroos
Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos made the Ballon d'Or shortlist for his final half-year with Real Madrid before hanging up his boots. By every stretch of the definition, Kroos is a Real Madrid legend and one of the best to ever play in his position.
However, considering he retired halfway through the calendar year, it is unlikely he will win the Ballon d'Or.
6. Federico Valverde
Since breaking through at Real Madrid, Federico Valverde has become a club legend. He embodies everything the club is about and he particularly shines under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti.
The Uruguay international has made the 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist, which is well-deserved. After all, Real Madrid achieved tremendous success and Valverde is one of the most important players.
7. Antonio Rüdiger
As mentioned, it is very rare for defenders to win the Ballon d'Or. However, it is still nice to see that Antonio Rüdiger's hard work throughout 2024 is recognised.
The Germany defender played excellently for Real Madrid in 2024. He barely put a foot wrong and had some key performances, particularly in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal ties, where he isolated Erling Haaland of Man City.
READ MORE REAL MADRID NEWS:
feed